Operations management is a versatile field. With the right degree you can work in any industry. An operation management degree online qualifies you for jobs in:
- Business administration
- Education
- Financial management
- Health care
You can also work in supply chain management.
Featured Programs
Project and operations managers work together to achieve the same goals. Within a company, they can have similar roles. Because of their similarities, this ranking of the best operations management degrees online programs includes both project and operations management.
Operations Manager Degree Online Methodology
For this ranking, we reviewed 56 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). These schools offer online bachelor operations management degrees or related programs.
To find the top 20 schools and online bachelor’s program, we first confirmed accreditation. We considered only schools with regional or national accreditation. We then looked at a school’s rankings with a major publication. In this case, we considered schools ranked with U.S. News & World Report. Then, we listed the schools according to raw affordability.
Read on for more information on the best operations management online degree programs.
#20 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor Operations Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $30,386
Southern New Hampshire University offers an ACBSP-accredited online operations degree program. It has two concentration options. These include:
- Logistics and transportation
- Project management
The program also helps you become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). To do this, you take a certification course and prepare for the required exam.
Operations management students take online courses that cover many different topics. For example, you study business and technology, as well as supply chain management. Your courses include:
- Global logistics management
- Quality control
- Quality management
- Sustainable operations
- Technical operations management
Besides its accreditation, SNHU ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #1 in most innovative schools. It also ranks #131-#171 in best regional universities in the North.
#19 – Malone University
Online Bachelor Project Management
Canton, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $27,960
Malone University offers a bachelor’s program in project management. This degree is available online and designed for working students.
You can customize the program to suit your career goals and aspirations. Your interests will help determine which classes you should take.
You take courses such as:
- Business administration
- Cost and risk management
- Project quality management
- Supply chain management
- Technical project management
The program is for students interested in careers in many different fields. From the automotive industry to health care, you can qualify for jobs with this type of degree.
The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #69 in best regional schools in the Midwest. It also ranks #12 in best value schools.
#18 – Spring Arbor University
Online Bachelor Organizational Management
Spring Arbor, Michigan
Undergraduate tuition: $25,510
Spring Arbor University offers an organizational management online program for undergraduates. The program consists of 41 credit hours of customizable courses. It helps prepare you for a job in many different industries.
The bachelor’s degree program takes 24 months to complete with an associate degree. It takes a little longer if you don’t have a two-year degree.
Students take courses that cover topics such as:
- Global supply chain management
- Management of financial resources
- Operations management theory
- Organizational behavior
- Supply chain management
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #63 in best regional Midwest universities and #19 in best value schools.
#17 – Charleston Southern University
Online Bachelor Project Management
Charleston, South Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $23,440
Charleston Southern University offers a bachelor’s degree for students interested in online operations programs. This degree program equips you for careers in the technical project management field. It also equips you for entry into a master’s program.
You take courses taught by the same professors who teach at the CSU campus. Your program requirements include 51 credit hours. These credits include many different classes such as:
- Business operations
- Business policy
- Chain management science techniques
- Project risk assessment
- Quality control
- Supply chain management
If you have an associate degree you can finish the program quicker. But plan on taking many foundational courses in business processes and management.
CSU ranks with U.S. News. Its current list of rankings includes #98 in top regional Southern universities. It also offers financial aid to qualifying online students.
#16 – Saint Leo University
Online BBA – Project Management
Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $20,830
Looking for a degree in business administration, but want a job in quality control or technical operations management? A bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University can help.
The school offers a BBA in project management. The online program is IACBE-accredited. This means it meets business standards set forth by its governing body.
Your classes prepare you for careers in quality management. They also help you qualify for work in global supply chain management. The courses cover topics such as:
- Business operations
- Materials management
- Project risk management
- Project teamwork and leadership
- Quality control
- Quality improvement
Students also have the opportunity to gain real world experience through an internship. You can complete the internship in your own town or city.
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #62 in best Southern regional universities. Its bachelor’s degree online programs also rank #59 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – City University of Seattle
Online Bachelor Project Management
Seattle, Washington
Undergraduate tuition: $16,500
City University of Seattle offers a technical project management degree online. This program is for students looking to work in business administration and technical operations management.
The accredited program teaches you how to manage several projects at a time. It also teaches you how to lead and work with teams.
Your courses cover many different critical thinking topics. They lay a foundation for your future career. Your courses include:
- Business analytics for project managers
- Communicating with data
- Continuous improvement tools in management
- Managing projects under uncertainty
Your classes also prepare you to enter a master’s degree program. You graduate ready to go to work or return to school.
CU ranks with U.S. News as a top regional Western school. Its online programs also rank #45 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Washington State University
Online Bachelor Management
Pullman, Washington
Undergraduate tuition: $11,967
Looking for online degree operations management programs? Washington State University offers more than an associate degree. Here you can get a bachelor’s degree online in management.
The program teaches you different management principles. These include financial management and operations management. You also learn about supply chain management and how it impacts businesses.
Your online courses cover topics such as:
- Business operations
- Business strategy and policy
- Small business practice
- Technical operations management
The program is part-time, though you can take classes in the fall, spring, and summer.
WSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its ranking include #143 in best national universities. Its online programs also rank #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor Project Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $11,656
Colorado Technical University is an affordable school for an online bachelor’s program. It offers a project management program that is ACBSP-accredited.
In this program, you take courses that explore topics such as:
- Management in a global environment
- Managing operations
- Project risk
- Project scheduling
- Spreadsheet applications
The courses teach you how to manage a project and work as a team leader. You also learn about technical operations management.
CTU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. It ranks as one of the best regional schools in the West. Its online undergrad programs rank #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed.
#12 – University of Minnesota
Online Bachelor Construction Operations Management
Crookston, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $11,646
University of Minnesota offers a construction management program for online students. This program consists of 120 credit hours. 86-89 credits make up the major.
In this program, you learn current industry practices. Your courses cover topics in project management and quality assurance. You learn how to manage operations and lead construction sites. You also learn how to measure your results using design and construction technologies.
You can choose from five different tracks to specialize your studies. These include:
- Commercial construction
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Facility Management
- Highway Heavy and Civil Works
- Residential Construction
UM ranks with U.S. News in many categories. It ranks #40 in best Midwestern regional colleges and #3 in top public schools. Its online bachelor’s programs also rank #212 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor Operations and Supply Chain Management
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,641
Franklin University offers an accredited online operations management program for students. It prepares you for work in any industry.
Your classes cover topics such as:
- Business intelligence modeling
- Operations management
- Organizational behavior
- Supply chain management
- Transportation and global logistics management
You also learn different business and finance aspects related to the field. You take courses that improve your business skills. These include business law, financial accounting, and global economy. You graduate with a bachelor’s in operations management.
The accredited school ranks with major publications like U.S. News. In previous years, its business school has received ranking.
#10 – Ohio University
Online Bachelor Technical Operations Management
Athens, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,548
Ohio University is a good choice for an operations management degree online. It offers a bachelor’s program with studies in operations online.
Your courses cover relevant topics to the field. You learn about technical operations management and quality assurance. You also learn how to supervise and lead in a technical organization.
You take classes such as:
- Business administration
- Project management
- Quality control
- Supply chain management
OU ranks with U.S. News. Its current rankings include #146 in best national universities and #74 in top public schools. In recent years, the school’s online bachelor programs have also earned recognition.
#9 – University of Arizona Global Campus
Online Bachelor Operations Management and Analysis
Chandler, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: See school website
UAGC is a top school for a bachelor’s in operations management. It has an IACBE-accredited program that teaches you the skills you need to work in the field.
Operations management students improve critical thinking skills by taking online classes. These classes run for five weeks. You take one course at a time, giving you the opportunity to focus on a single subject.
Your courses cover a broad range of topics. From applied science to logistics management, you learn how to apply your knowledge to your career. Some of the courses you take include:
- Decision and modeling analysis
- Operations management
- Quantitative techniques
- Strategic management
- Total quality management
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits the school. It is the institutional accrediting body recognized.
#8 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor Operations Management
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $10,158
With an associate degree, you can take the next step in your education at Arizona State University. You can earn an online bachelor in operations management.
The program requires 60 credit hours in the major. You take a total of 20 classes. Each class runs for 7.5 weeks. Taking a course one-at-a-time helps you focus your studies on a single subject.
The classes you take cover topics such as:
- Ethical issues in technology
- Quality assurance
- Supply chain management
- Systems innovation
- Technical project management
ASU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its ranking include #129 in best national universities. Its online bachelor’s degree programs rank #4 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.
#7 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor Management
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $9,203
University of Wisconsin Stout offers a bachelor’s in management. It has two concentrations that let you specialize your studies in operations or project management.
Depending on which concentration you choose, your courses dig into relevant topics. Your courses cover subjects such as:
- Engineering economy
- Global supply chain management
- Industrial engineering and management
- Project management
- Quality tools
The school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #69 in best regional Midwestern universities and #15 in top public schools. The bachelor’s degree online programs rank #110 out of over 1,200 programs surveyed.
#6 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor Operations Management
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $8,838
You can earn a bachelor’s in operations management at Oregon Institute of Technology. The program is one of the most affordable on our list. It offers financial aid to qualifying students.
Online students learn what it’s like to work as an operations manager. You take relevant courses that get you ready for entry-level employment. Your courses cover current topics in business processes such as:
- Inventory management
- Operations management theory
- Production supervision
- Project management
- Quality control
OIT ranks with U.S. News as a top school. Its rankings include #3 in best regional colleges in the West and #1 in top public schools.
#5 – Colorado State University Global
Online Bachelor Project Management
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $8,400
Colorado State University Global is a good school for a project management degree. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in project management with a specialization.
The classes and program prepare students for a career as a PMP (Project Management Professional). It teaches you what you need to know for the PMP certificate exam.
Your courses cover industry-related topics. These include:
- Contract management
- Logistics management in a global environment
- Materials management
- Project scheduling and procurement
- Total quality management
Colorado State ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #129 in best national universities. The online undergrad programs also rank #48 out of over 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Minnesota State University
Online Bachelor Operations Management
Moorhead, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $8,096
Minnesota State University is an affordable college for a degree in operations management. The program prepares you for a job in any field where you find operations managers.
Each course runs for eight weeks, but you can complete the program at your own pace. Your courses cover relevant topics to the industry. These include:
- Continuous improvement tools
- Cost analysis
- Principles of management
- Process leadership
- Quality control
MSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. Its current rankings include #115 in best regional Midwestern universities.
#3 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor Operations Management
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $7,257
Granite State College offers an accredited online operations management degree. The program prepares you for entry-level management careers. It also prepares you for entry to grad school.
You learn about strategic contributions and management. You also learn different business administration principles. Your courses cover many different operations management topics such as:
- Financial modeling and decision making
- Integrative strategic management
- Legal and ethical issues in business management
- Organizational behavior or leadership
- Management strategies
GSC ranks with U.S. News as a top regional college in the North. Its bachelor’s degree online programs also rank #99 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor Project Management
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $7,050
Want to earn an online operations management degree but study project management? Bellevue University has an option.
The program is one of the few accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. It combines operations management and project management studies. Online courses cover topics relevant to both industries.
Your studies include:
- Business communications,
- Foundations of professional success
- Global supply chain management
- Project cost
To complete the major, you need to complete forty credits. But when you graduate, you’re ready for work as a project manager or operations manager.
The school ranks with U.S. News as a top regional university in the Midwest. Its online bachelor’s degree programs also rank #92 out of over 1,200 surveyed programs.
#1 – Thomas Edison State University
Online BSBA Operations Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate tuition: $6,135
The most affordable online operations management degree program on our list is an applied science degree from Thomas Edison State University. This 120-credit hour program teaches you how to work as an operations manager.
You can take online courses taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Your courses cover current topics such as:
- Introduction to operations management
- Operations planning
- Operations research
- Quality assurance
- Strategic management
TESU ranks with U.S. News as a top Northern university. Its online bachelor’s degree programs have also earned recognition. The school is the most affordable on our list for an online operations management degree.
FAQ About Operations Management
What is the difference between operations management and supply chain management?
You can apply what you learn in operations management to different fields. What you learn in one is relevant to others.
Supply chain management focuses on operations. It follows the purchasing process and the delivery of goods and services. These processes take place outside of internal operations. But operations management oversees the production of goods.
How do you get accepted for a bachelor’s degree program?
If you don’t have an associate degree, you need a high school diploma or GED. Most operations management programs look at your high school transcripts for good grades and test scores.
As a high school student, you should take as many business administration and applied science courses as you can. These will help prepare you for college-level courses.
You should try to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to get accepted to quality logistics management programs.
Do you need special skills to work in operations management?
The short answer? Yes. You do need special skills to work in this industry. But you can learn these skills while getting your operations management online degree.
What are these skills? They include good communication and critical thinking skills. They are soft skills such as leadership, team-building, and problem-solving. But you also need specialized skills in areas such as:
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Quality control
- Technical operations management
What do you learn in a program for operations managers?
Since this is a wide field, you learn many different subjects. Online students learn everything from applied science to quality assurance. You take classes that cover topics in technical project management. You also take them in business administration.
If you plan to work in a specific industry, such as automotive or healthcare, you can take relevant classes. Some programs offer courses in health operations management, for example.
Related Resources:
Top 10 Highest Paying Business Degrees
Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management
Ultimate Guide to Business Degrees and Careers
30 Great Degree Programs for Working Adults